New Hawaiian diner Moa Kai is now open in Orlando

With traditional eats and themed cocktails, Moa Kai Hawaiian Diner is on a mission to bring Hawaiian food and culture to Orlando.

New Hawaiian diner Moa Kai is now in soft-opening mode in the former space of The Mongolorian, at 2217 E. Colonial Drive.

The spot is run by Hoi Nguyen, of poke bowl joint Poke Hana. He told Orlando Weekly in April that “Moa Kai will offer a totally different vibe,” as both spaces share island-inspired menus.

With Nguyen’s new concept, Hawaiian comfort food meets the classic American diner, with brunch and dinner options, plus desserts and drinks. Menu highlights include Kalua barbecue pork handhelds, saimin noodle soups, shoyu chicken, ube haupia pie, spam musubi, poke bowls, burgers and more.

Moa Kai’s cocktail menu includes creations like the Moa Mule, Lele Lychee martini and Kai Mai Tai.

The diner is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Saturday, and only for brunch on Sunday.

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This article appears in Best of Orlando (R) 2025.